The main reservoirs along the Tennessee River are full to their summertime levels, but the Tennessee Valley Authority managers who help control the river's flow are hoping for another couple of inches of rain this month to fill all the lakes in time for the summer recreation season.
'We're within just a few inches of our June 1 levels at all of those reservoirs," said David Bowling, general manager for TVA's river management organization.
James Everett, manager of river forecasting operations, said dry weather has kept some East Tennessee reservoirs from reaching their summertime levels.
"But if we get normal rainfall this month, we should be in good shape," he said.
TVA's network of nine dams and locks along the 652-mile river helps to control floods, maintains navigation and recreation and generates hydroelectric power.
Lake Chickamauga in Chattanooga, which varies about 5 feet from its winter to summer pool levels, filled up last month from spring rains and snow runoff.
Photo contest
With 293,000 acres of land surrounding its lakes and rivers, TVA operates 80 public recreation areas across its seven-state region. To help highlight its lakefront assets, the utility is sponsoring a summer photo contest for the first time this summer. Post photos under the hashtag #TVAsummer to Twitter or Instagram.
The contest begins Monday, a week ahead of Memorial Day, and continues throughLabor Day.
The winner will receive a GoPro Hero4 extreme camera kit. The second-place winner will get a Fitbit Surge Fitness Superwatch, and the third-place winner will be awarded an Eton Hand Turbine Rechargeable USB Battery Pack.